Inside the Institute

What's on Sale in October

October is a great time to pick up baking supplies and seasonal produce. From apples to canned pumpkin, all your fall favorites will be marked down. And if you're in the middle of fall wedding season look for deals on small appliances on the couple's registry. Last but not least, look for bargains on fire alarms, batteries, carbon monoxide detectors, and all those other home safety devices you should be replacing as you turn your clock back at the end of the month.

Pick your fiber based on foot traffic. Polyester carpet is plush and lovely in a bedroom, but can't withstand the constant treading of a family room or hallway. For those rooms, choose nylon in a Berber or short plush style that won't show wear. Wool is easy to clean and long-wearing, and it takes color well. Still, it can be very expensive; if you get a good deal, go for it.

Look closely at the warranty. A "comprehensive" warranty may not cover everything, so check the requirements, exemptions, and expiration dates carefully rather than just taking the dealer at her word. (She may say that all stains are included, but spots specifically from mustard and acne medication may not be.)

Consider green carpeting. Many manufacturers have polyester carpeting made of recycled fibers from plastic bottles. Such products are just as strong, plush, and colorful as nonrecycled ones, for the same price. Look for the Green Label Plus Indoor Air Quality symbol to verify that the carpet you're considering is low-VOC  and won't emit harmful gases into your home's air.

2. Alarm Clocks: Don't snooze through these great falls deals just in time for daylight savings time.

Pick an appropriate sound level. Some people can wake at the sound of a pin drop but, if you're a heavier sleeper, you'll want to look for a model that can go to a higher decibel. If someone in your household can sleep through just about anything, it may be worth investing in an add-on like a bed shaker to get him or her moving in the morning.

Take a closer look at the text display. If you wear glasses, you'll want an alarm with a large enough font that you will still be able to read in the middle of the night when it is much darker. Or if you're sensitive to light, look for a model with adjustable dimming options.

Snoop around for the snooze. If you or your partner are apt to opt for a few extra minutes of shut-eye, you'll want to make sure it's not too close to the off button.

3. Blenders: Whether you're attending a fall wedding or moving the young adult in your life into a new place, you can snap up a bargain on a small household appliance this month.

Prefer to grab and go? Pick up a single-serve model. They often come with multiple blending cups and travel lids for extra convenience too.

Consider the weight of the base and the jar independently of each other. A blender with a heavy base will remain stable during operation and is desirable unless you are often lifting your blender in and out of a cabinet. While a glass jar may seem to be of a higher quality than a plastic one, it may be more difficult to carry, especially when full.

Dont be wowed by multiple settings; there probably isnt a notable difference between adjacent speeds. Instead, opt for a model with a Pulse feature. By pulsing you can exert more control over the blending process. (Similarly, higher wattage doesn't necessarily better performance.)

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